In 2013, Conference USA is going to look completely different.

With conference realignment, the likes of Memphis, Central Florida, Houston and SMU are moving to the Big East, As a result, this fall represents the last time those four will tussle in C-USA women’s soccer.

For some of those teams making the switch, now is the time to focus on spring preparations and one last C-USA season, with time to worry about a new conference still further down the road.

“We’re excited about this season coming up in Conference USA,” Memphis coach Brooks Monaghan told TopDrawerSoccer.com.

Memphis is a program sure to have a target on its back. Having gone undefeated last fall before a second round loss in the NCAA Tournament, the Tigers are working fervently to fill some of the holes left by senior departures.

Perhaps no loss is bigger than the graduation of Lizzy Simonin, a center back who garnered numerous postseason honors and was part of the Conference USA’s best defense.

In fact, the Tigers topped the conference in both goals scored (62) and allowed (13). Part of the dynamic offense returns in the form of Canadian U20 star Christabel Oduro, who led the conference with 16 goals scored in 2011.

But Monaghan knows that his side has its work cut out for them as the spring schedule continues.

“We’re quite a young team,” he said. “We really are if you break down our kids and what year they are, we are very young. The biggest thing for us [to accomplish] is coming together as a team.”

For the rest of the conference, it’s all about trying to catch Memphis in the coming season, and working to accomplish that. SMU, the only team to get a semi favorable result against Memphis last year (a 3-3 draw) recognizes that hunting them down is easier said than done.

“They have good movement off the ball but it’s the speed that movement is made,” head coach Brent Erwin told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “So I think as you build your team, you have to build your team to be able to deal with the athleticism and movement of a team like Memphis.”

SMU is just one of many teams hoping to contend for at least a regular season shot at the CUSA title. Colorado College, which finished in second place last year, is poised to make a run, while Central Florida is certainly a candidate to make something happen.

A team with a strong shot is the Mustangs. Injury issues have plagued them over the years, but a healthy Kenzie Scovill should provide a lift to the offense, while Courtney Smith and Mallory Baum are two players they’ll heavily rely on.

So far the spring preparations have gone well, and with a busy schedule to end spring with four games in four weeks – a stretch that started on April 6 with a big 4-0 win over TCU – Erwin is hoping for his side to be in the same place when spring comes to an end.

“I would like our team to be right where we’re at right now,” he said. “It would show we’re able to maintain our mentality, our fitness all of that through the games. It’s a very good preparation for a season and that’s why we leave it this way.”

Last year’s regular season runners up in Conference USA, Colorado College, is enjoying a good spring season and hopes to be able to go that extra mile this fall and unseat Memphis.

“Things are looking very positive [for us],” head Coach Geoff Bennett told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “We were a little cursed this fall and the timeliness of those injuries so right now we’re focusing on getting healthy and staying healthy.”

With those injured players now more or less fully healed, Bennett has been able to get the most of the spring schedule.

“It’s been nice for us in terms of getting players back from injury where we haven’t had to shuffle our lineup around and play players out of position just to get games in the spring so it’s been productive,” he said. “Players have been giving good quality time in the positions that they’re comfortable with and are showing us what they can do and bring to the table.”

Bennett has a firm grasp on just how they might manage to emerge on top this fall.

“For us it’s continuing to get better day in and day out, it’s continuing to be better on the road – we had a good fall this past fall in terms of the results we had on the road,” he said. “Typically here at Colorado College we do very well at home, but it’s how we can do on the road and our focal point is going to be like it is every year – win Conference USA.”

That’s going to be no easy task, of course, as Memphis is sure to be just as good before preparing to move on to new territory in 2013.

Players to Watch

Christabel Oduro, Memphis, Forward: The reigning Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year paced the conference with 16 goals last year. And while she may miss a part of next season because of U20 World Cup duty with Canada, there’s no questioning how important Oduro is going to be to Memphis’ hopes this year.

Jessie Ayers, Colorado College, Midfielder: It was a dazzling first year for Ayers, who picked up both Freshman of the Year and Midfielder of the Year honors in the CUSA, her four goals and one assist helping pace Colorado’s attack. Bumping up those numbers are a must in order for both her and her team to take the next step.

Mallory Baum, SMU, Midfielder: A consistent starter for all of 2011, Baum’s another crafty attacking midfielder who can unlock opposing defenses with her passing and vision. Is expected to play another big role in 2012, her senior year.